The Physical Oceanographic Real Time System, or PORTS, was created by NOAA and uses oceanographic and meteorological sensors to provide mariners with accurate real-time information on the environment at seaports. NOAA is working with individual ports to design the systems.

In a statement on its website, NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services director said, “Even one additional foot of draft can substantially increase the profit of a shipment.”

Morgan City is a hub for import-export ships. According to NOAA, Port Fourchon services 90 percent of the deepwater Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry and handles more than 20 percent of the enation’s energy supply. They are the 24th and 25th ports in the nation to receive the technology.

Port of Morgan City executive director Raymond Wade praised NOAA and the new technology, saying it would improve overall safety.